Alabama

Report Cruelty

Blue is a featured adoptable pet at the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.

If you're reading this column, you're probably not the kind of person who could harm an animal.
Which probably makes you the kind of person animal cruelty officers depend on to report the folks who do. And that is, of course, easier said than done.

Maybe you're not sure what constitutes cruelty or abuse. Or maybe you're hesitant about getting involved.

Do it anyway, says Joe Murphy, animal cruelty investigator for the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, because animal cruelty or neglect is a crime.

"You wouldn't ignore any other crime, and I would hope you wouldn't turn a blind eye to this," Murphy says.

If you're unsure about the definition of cruelty or neglect, consider these humane society guideline questions: Is the animal injured, abandoned, emaciated, abandoned, living in unsanitary conditions or without food, water or shelter? Have you witnessed physical abuse, dog fighting, an animal left alone in a vehicle or animal hoarding (more than 10 animals at a residence)?

If so, call 325-1450 in unincorporated Jefferson County, or 328-9311 in Birmingham. For other areas, call local law enforcement or a humane society. Have the following info available:

Your name and phone number (confidential unless called in for court)
Exact location and description of animals involved
Nature of complaint
Other pertinent information
For more information: 369-0392.